The role of trusted digital identity in enabling the eGovernment 2020 vision

06/02/14

Whether we’re logging into eServices to perform healthcare claims, to vote or sign a digital transaction, pay taxes, book or buy goods or services, our digital identity will become ever more significant in the years to come. This is especially true when it comes to accessing a vast range of public and government services.

Indeed, a major new study from the Secure Identity Alliance (SIA) reveals that the two – eServices rollout and a trusted digital identity – are intrinsically linked. It is impossible for the former to be successful without the development of the latter.

However the creation of a trusted framework to underpin identity is no small task, bringing together governance, standards, business processes, technical capabilities and more. But, according to the Secure Identity Alliance’ survey, it’s a task that would allow governments around the world are to realize some $50bn annual savings through effective eServices provision by 2020.

And while we’ll see multiple identity providers emerging in the coming years, the root identity – the one trusted digital identity upon which all are based – must start with Government.

Mobile devices, social media and other technology innovations are changing citizens’ way of life, and governments need to raise their game to deliver cutting-edge e-services that match the consumer expectations. But the shift to digital services stands and falls on whether governments can deliver trusted transactional eServices and manage the digital identity lifecycle.

In response to growing citizen demand for convenient and modern pubic eServices, today’s governments need to unlock a better and more harmonised service delivery that also generates significant savings for the public purse. Fast-tracking this risk-free shift to digital service provision is dependent on public bodies addressing core issues such as data security, citizen privacy, identity and authentication.

It also depends on the emergence of a context sensitive and fully interoperable ecosystem in which citizens can use their trusted digital identity to securely access both public and private services.